Lake Bailey
What to know
A rock dam on Cedar Creek forms Lake Bailey, which consists of 170 acres for fishing, canoeing and pedal boating. The boathouse is open seasonally. Here, you can rent pedal boats, water bikes, or flat bottom boats with and without a motor. Inside, the boathouse also has a snack bar and game room. Guests are welcome to rent a boat during the summer months, or bring your own year round (10 horsepower motor limit).
Lake Bailey is located atop Petit Jean Mountain within Arkansas' first state park, constructed in 1933. The park's focal point is Cedar Falls, which cascades as a spectacular 89-foot waterfall. The park trails system features 20 miles of interconnected trails and quintessential Arkansas scenery. Trails range in length from one-quarter mile to 12 miles. Campsites are available along the shores of Lake Bailey. The park also offers picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions, a recreation hall, launch ramp, swimming pools, tennis courts, lodge, cabins, visitor center, interpretive programs and a restaurant.
Fishing: Anglers try for crappie, bass and catfish on this annually-stocked lake. Fishing is popular by boat, from the shore or from the ADA accessible fishing pier.
To get there, take Exit #108 off I-40 at Morrilton and travel nine miles south on Ark. 9, then go 12 miles west on Ark. 154; or from Dardanelle, travel seven miles south on Ark. 7, then go 16 miles east on Ark. 154 to the park.
For more information: 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road, Morrilton, AR 72110; 501-727-5441; https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/petit-jean-state-park.
Lake Bailey is located atop Petit Jean Mountain within Arkansas' first state park, constructed in 1933. The park's focal point is Cedar Falls, which cascades as a spectacular 89-foot waterfall. The park trails system features 20 miles of interconnected trails and quintessential Arkansas scenery. Trails range in length from one-quarter mile to 12 miles. Campsites are available along the shores of Lake Bailey. The park also offers picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions, a recreation hall, launch ramp, swimming pools, tennis courts, lodge, cabins, visitor center, interpretive programs and a restaurant.
Fishing: Anglers try for crappie, bass and catfish on this annually-stocked lake. Fishing is popular by boat, from the shore or from the ADA accessible fishing pier.
To get there, take Exit #108 off I-40 at Morrilton and travel nine miles south on Ark. 9, then go 12 miles west on Ark. 154; or from Dardanelle, travel seven miles south on Ark. 7, then go 16 miles east on Ark. 154 to the park.
For more information: 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road, Morrilton, AR 72110; 501-727-5441; https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/petit-jean-state-park.
